The community of Makerbuana Village in Karawang Regency, West Java, has voluntarily handed over two rare animals, the golden hornbill (Rhyticeros undulatus) and the Javanese porcupine (Hystrix javanica), to the authorities. Muhammad Sayegi Dewa, the community leader, represented Makerbuana Village during the handover to BBKSDA West Java. The handover took place in the Sangbuana Himalayan area, which the community hopes to turn into a conservation area.
Dewa expressed gratitude for the voluntary surrender of the rare animals by the locals. He mentioned that after a celebratory event, the community members willingly handed over the animals. Dewa had previously coordinated with the Sangabuana Conservation Foundation (SCF), an organization that conducts research related to the Sanggabuana Mountains. He stated that he was invited by the SCF to participate in environmental conservation, which he gladly accepted, considering it his responsibility to protect the environment.
The handover of the golden hornbill and Javan porcupine to BBKSDA West Java was scheduled for the following day, in collaboration with the SCF. The SCF’s Executive Director, Solihin Fuadi, expressed satisfaction with the community’s decision to surrender the endangered animals, appreciating the support and assistance from community leaders in environmental protection. Solihin mentioned that this act of surrendering protected animals signifies a commitment towards improving the situation in the Sangabuana Himalayan forest area.
However, Solihin explained that ideally, protected animals should not be transferred from the community, as it may indicate previous hunting activities. He emphasized that the handover reflects the ongoing search for safe habitats for endangered animals in the Sangabuana region.
Solihin also shared that the SCF has been researching and conducting assessments of the Sangabuana Mountains since 2020. Their findings indicate that there are 41 species of endangered mammals and 165 bird species in the forest area, including primates and large carnivores such as the Javan leopard.
Both the Javan porcupine and golden hornbill are protected animals in Indonesia. The protection of these species is governed by Minister of Environment and Forests Regulation No. P.106 of 2018, which outlines the protection of flora and fauna species, and Law No. 5 of 1990 on the Conservation of Living Natural Resources and Ecosystems (KSDAHE).
FAQ:
Q: Why did the community voluntarily hand over the Javan porcupines and golden hornbills?
A: The community handed over the endangered animals as part of their commitment to environmental conservation and protection.
Q: What organization did the community coordinate with for the handover?
A: The community coordinated with the Sangabuana Conservation Foundation (SCF), an organization involved in researching the Sangabuana Mountains.
Q: What does the handover signify?
A: The handover reflects a sincere effort to improve the situation in the Sangabuana Himalayan forest area and secure safer habitats for endangered animals.
Q: Are the Javan porcupine and golden hornbill protected by law?
A: Yes, both species are protected under Minister of Environment and Forests Regulation No. P.106 of 2018 and Law No. 5 of 1990 on the Conservation of Living Natural Resources and Ecosystems (KSDAHE).
